ARGENTINA | 14-03-2018 09:43

Opposition lawmakers warn against release of 1,400 inmates

Among the 1,400 prisoners listed for release by the Federal Penitentiary Service (SPF), in a move to address over-crowding in prisons, are the infamous dictatorship-era torturers Jorge “Tigre” Acosta and Julio “el Turco Julian” Simón.

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Renewal Front lawmakers speak at a press conference in the national Congress. | Télam

A group of Renewal Front (FR) lawmakers expressed their “rejection and concern” Tuesday over a plan to release 1,400 inmates from the country’s prison system.

Among the 1,400 prisoners listed for release by the Federal Penitentiary Service (SPF), in a move to address over-crowding in prisons, are the infamous dictatorship-era torturers Jorge “Tigre” Acosta and Julio “el Turco Julian” Simón.

Speaking at a press conference, the lawmakers demanded “the urgent review of a bill to reform the Criminal Code presented opportunely by (ex lawmaker and RF leader) Sergio Massa so that prisoners serve their full sentences”.

All prisoners listed are eligible to apply for conditional release or house arrest, according to the SPF.

“If the criteria is that Justice be served effectively in Argentina … we must denounce this practice. Conditional release cannot be granted arbitrarily”, said FR leader in the Lower House Graciela Camaño.

“If the problem is ‘overpopulation of prisons’, then build new ones. But the solution of the Executive is to release prisons just because”, she added.